Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following statements about biologically prepared fear behavior is true?

Rationale

It potentially leads to a survival advantage.

Biologically prepared fear behaviors are innate responses that enhance an organism's ability to survive in the face of threats. These behaviors are evolutionarily advantageous as they can promote quick reactions to danger, thereby increasing the likelihood of survival and reproduction.

A (It is easily extinguished) YOUR ANSWER

Fear behaviors that are biologically prepared are generally resistant to extinction. Unlike learned fears that can be modified through experience or conditioning, biologically prepared fears are deeply rooted in survival instincts and often persist over time, making them less susceptible to unlearning.

B (It is learned through operant conditioning) YOUR ANSWER

Biologically prepared fear behaviors are not primarily learned through operant conditioning; rather, they are innate responses that evolve over time to enhance survival. Operant conditioning typically involves behaviors that are shaped by consequences, which is not the case for instinctual fears that arise without such external reinforcement.

C (It takes a long time to condition) YOUR ANSWER

Biologically prepared fear behaviors tend to condition quickly due to their evolutionary significance. These fears can be established rapidly, often after just one or a few exposures to a threatening stimulus, contrasting with other types of learning that may require more extensive training or repetition.

E (It applies only to lower species, not humans) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is inaccurate, as biologically prepared fear behaviors are present in humans as well as other species. Humans exhibit instinctual fears, such as fear of snakes or heights, which are believed to have evolved for survival purposes and are not restricted to lower species.

Conclusion

Biologically prepared fear behaviors are crucial for survival across various species, including humans, as they trigger rapid and instinctual responses to threats. While they are resistant to extinction and can condition quickly, they are not learned through operant conditioning and are not limited to lower species. Understanding these behaviors highlights their evolutionary role in enhancing survival and the shared instincts across species.

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